Edward “Sonny” L. Collins Sr.
Rockbridge |
Edward “Sonny” L. Collins Sr. passed away at 10:45 am Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton.
He was born on August 31, 1932 in Alton, IL, the son of Charles Collins and Ina Eckstein. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Oliver and Helen (Springman) Eckstein.
He married Estella H. Cope on June 18, 1950 in Godfrey at her mother’s home. She survives.
Sonny served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. He retired in October 1980 from Laclede Steel in Alton, where he spent most of his 30 years of service as a wire drawer. He attended the Greenfield 1st Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and spending time with friends. His pride and joy was his family, to which he showed a lifetime of devotion.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ed and Velma Collins Jr. of Carrollton, Leonard and Waree Collins of Bunker Hill, and David and Kimberly Collins of Alton; six grandchildren and their spouses, Angela and Jerrid Custer, Ashley and Christopher Mesey, Bradley and Erin Collins, Bryan and Shadow Collins, Kaylee Collins and Stephanie Collins; eight great grandchildren, Grace, Maggie, Orion, Finley, Harlow, Abby, Ethan, and Elijah; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Phyllis Collins of Jacksonville, Alabama; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Bob Jadlot of Nevada, Missouri, Carol and Jim Garrett of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and Georgette and Alan Welch of Nevada, Missouri, one brother-in-law, Robert "Doc" Holladay of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Bertha Burris and Esther Holladay.
Cremation rites were accorded. At the request of the deceased, no services were conducted.
Memorials may be made to the Greenfield 1st Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
